Vol. 526 No. 3
128 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of education psychologists employed by his Department who are available to primary school pupils in County Mayo; the number of primary pupils in County Mayo; the number of such pupils who need the services of an education psychologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25492/00]
The National Educational Psychological Service Agency, NEPS, of my Department currently deploys one educational psychologist in primary schools in County Mayo. In the school year 1999-2000 the number of pupils of primary school age in the county was 14,528. This includes children with special needs in mainstream schools and children in special schools, many of whom already have access to psychological services provided by the relevant health board and voluntary bodies.
The planning group whose report recommended the establishment of NEPS estimated that 11.2% of school-children might need individual support from a psychologist at some stage of their school career. Following interviews conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners I appointed 26 additional psychologists to the agency between 4 September and 20 October. They are currently engaged in a programme of induction training and will shortly be assigned to schools. Two of these psychologists will be involved in the expansion of the service to schools in County Mayo.
